A Bit of an Obit

Boy, do I ever have an assignment for you who are in the mood to take a challenge. I’ve been fixated in my quiet time this morning on Romans 6:6. Here it is in the NIV:

For we know that our old self was crucified with [Christ] so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

Some of us have heard that Scripture hundreds of times. Others may not have known the exact place it resided in the Bible but you are more than familiar with the concept of being buried with Christ through His death on the Cross and being raised in His resurrection to walk in newness of life. Others among us (and I hope there are many) may have no familiarity with the concept at all. Raised in church, I’ve heard it since childhood but I’m not sure I have the strongest grasp of it half a century later. Anyway, one thing we all love about the living words of Scripture is that the Holy Spirit can illuminate a different phrase or word within a verse that captures our attention in an altogether fresh way. That’s what happened to me this morning. I got stuck on the first half:

For we know that our old self was crucified with [Christ]…

What washed over me was how many of us may not know that. Not the kind of authentic knowing that changes the way the soles of our feet slap the pavement. We know it on the sacred page and we know it as a doctrine of our faith, but I’m not sure the knowing in Romans 6:6 has invaded our lymph-nodes and gone viral in our major organs, spreading from the lobes of our brains to the bones of our feet. Take a look at the second half of the verse again and I’ll tell you why I think that.

…so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

Notice the verse doesn’t say we will no longer sin but that we “should no longer be slaves to sin.” Sister, you can forget perfection here on this planet but do not let anything on this earth convince you that you cannot be free from the mastery of sin. Some of us are giving up and giving way again to an area of bondage that has no right whatsoever to take authority over us.

Dissect the verse again. The full victory in the second half of the verse seems dependent on the first half of the verse. See it? The “we know” leads straight to a “so that.”

We know_____________________ so that _________________…

So, it seems to me there could be a bit of a break down in the system when we actually do not know to the marrow of our bones the very principle that ushers in the living reality of our gloriously powerful and victorious “so that.”

SO, here’s what I thought I’d throw out at those of you who are game this fine day for a challenge. I want you to write a paragraph-long obituary announcing the death of your old self. Get creative with it. Think up a name for your old self. You don’t have to necessarily use dates of birth and death but you can. You can do anything you want with it. Get as descriptive as you want or be as general as you like. Too many rules and too much structure could quench your creativity. Just go at it, Sister.

Glance at some obituaries on the Web to stir up the kinds of metaphors you might want to implement into yours. We’re not going to compare entries to one another. We’re not looking to applaud the ones that sound most spiritual. This is not a writing contest. This is an interactive with one primary goal: to get some Biblical “knowing” a little deeper into our belief system where it merges with our everyday walk.

Listen, there shouldn’t be anything morbid about this exercise. That old person of ours was out to kill us. It is murderous. These obituaries should be some of the best pieces of news we’ve ever heard. It is the Gospel springing to life through death.

Let’s allow the comments to this post to be entirely limited to these Romans 6:6 obituaries. No other verbiage. No other explanation. No other conversation. I will be on the edge of my seat waiting to see what spins from your soul to this page. I am anticipating that the comments will be slower than usual in coming because you’ll need time to think. Take all the time you need! If you’re like me, some of you will want to write yours on a Word document then copy and paste it into a comment. Do it however you like.

But do it, if you’re willing. And may it be healing.

I’m crazy about you guys. Thanks for jumping in!

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Jenna died July 2005 in a drug and alcohol treatment center at the age of 21. She was a user beggar and a thief, left in a center with her insane irrational thinking. After her life of disappointment she was left unwanted, abused, and rejected by all. She will not be missed by anyone.

Thank you for your honesty and bravery to share what you did about Jenna. Many blessings to the new Jenna for an amazing, healthy, honorable new life, with Christ by her side. You are so loved, never forget that, God always loves you, unconditionally.
He is your strong tower and your shelter, run to him when you feel weak and He will strengthen you, always.

Romans 8:39 NLT
Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nicole grew up in a caring Christian family. She loved church, youth groups and camps and used the knowledge she was acquiring to build religious habits and create religious rules. Early on, she was diagnosed with a chronic case of pride-itis. It was hard to clearly diagnose for years as the symptoms were varied forms of idolatry and hidden behind the guise of doing good and being good. As the illness took over, symptoms of anger, impatience, self centeredness, self reliance, blinded indecision and worry ravaged her lifestyle. She tried self diagnosis/healing through vain attempts at studying Christian self help books, Bible readings and even spiritual disciplines but it wasn’t until she began to seek, believe and obey God with all her heart that she would, by faith, not only go into remission but find complete healing. Her family celebrates that she no longer has to suffer.
“People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.” (From Isaiah 26 MSG)

Barb~St Cloud, MN~Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

February 12th, 2011
Yesterday, Old Elisabeth parted from this world as result of a collision with the Holy Spirit.
After years of suffering with a sinful nature that ravenously ate everything in it’s path, The Holy Spirit hit Old Elisabeth at the highest possible speed and derailed her completely from the track she was set on. The collision took place in the middle of an extremely crowded stadium of over 10,000 women. Old Elisabeth had flown several states away and was attending LPL alone, as an effort to get away for a weekend and gain some insight into a stressful life. During that weekend, the Spirit un-expectantly came at her with the fullest of force, knocking her nature completely out of commission and replacing it with something more amazing than ever imagined. Old Elisabeth died that day, and the new ‘Lisabeth flew home a re-created woman. This world is forever thankful for the death and destruction of the old one in exchange for the redeemed and healthy new one.

Romans 6:6-11 Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin’s every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That’s what Jesus did. Message Bible

Nailed to the Cross is all my abuses, every lie/deception with every wound, every desire outside the Will of God, every thought and action that is rebellious, all disobedience, all unforgiveness, all bitterness, all resentments, every disappointment, all ANGER, rage and emotional outburst inside or out, every unkind, unloving word or thought or action, every flesh driven attitude, action, perspective, moment, every wasted wood, hay and stubble time, every willful sin, every deceptive sin, every ignorance, every wrong motive, every Eve moment and every Adam choice, all idolatry and rebellion, every unintentional and intentional sin, every time I withheld MERCY, love, grace or any time I marred the likeness of CHRIST in my life, anytime I put on masks to look better than I am. Every time I did not help the poor or needy…. Every time I did not pray! Every time I did not worship the LORD in Spirit and in Truth, Every time I did not LOVE the LORD God With All My heart, soul, mind and strength. Every time I did not trust God, fear Him or respect His Word or uphold it. Every time I not use money in the way the LORD desired. All my insecurity, all my fears of rejection, all those doubts and condemnations are nailed there at Christ’s Cross. Nailed there is every thought that has not been taken captive to the WORD of GOD. All places that anxiety and distrust of God show up are now nailed there. All places of hate or lack of love, for self or others is nailed there. All fear of man and all times I chose to please man over GOD! All self-righteousness is nailed there. All defeat all unbelief, all hopelessness, all depression, all places of jealousy and envy and pride is nailed there. All uncaring, selfish act or thought, all confusion, all disillusionment, all gossip and self-pity, all cursing and use of my words in less than honorable ways are nailed to the Cross, all worldliness, all times I have lived for this world and for people’s approval instead of FOR GOD’s GLORY, all times I have overeaten, under cared, been idolatrous, perverse, Sabbath breaking, used the LORD’s name in vain, not honored the LORD as commanded all this and more are nailed to the CROSS.
The sexually abused toddler who was rejected and treated harshly died at the Cross along with the sexually abused pre- teen. The distrust of men and the hate and rage and anger related died with them. The fear and shame died slowly. “My teen age secret” and the sin involved died too along with my teenage “secret anorexic and bulimia”. The feeling of being unlovable and worthless and very shameful seems to try to resurrect daily although the body of the deceased is in the grave. All the dissociation and withdraw and feeling insane and acting as if I have it together when dying a slow death inside was taken to the Cross to die. Somehow it feels like the enemy himself keeps taking those nails out and reinstating those feelings yet I am told they have died. Maybe it is phantom pain from the amputation of my deep place of being precious that happened before the death that is affecting the new me? This period of darkness after a death that tries to stay dark. All perversion and all fear of sex and all feeling of powerlessness and fears of victimization have been nailed to the cross. All places I cannot overcome are nailed to the Cross. All places I feel “an untouchable” and all the defilement I felt as a child and all I added on my own is nailed to the cross. All places that I have felt dead inside and all places I brought death or hate or bitterness is nailed to the Cross.

All the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST HAS TAKEN the place of all the filth and clutter and destruction of the old me. My weakness have become HIS STRENGTHS. GOD HIMSELF INHABITS THE RESURRECTED ME. I AM NEW IN CHRIST JESUS, I no longer live but CHRIST IN ME LIVES! God has been brought to me in the form of GOD WITH ME: Immanuel, Jesus sent the HOLY SPIRIT after placing the BLOOD on the MERCY SEAT in HEAVEN securing my full pardon and granting full forgiveness and redemption and restoration. Full reconciliation with the Father through the SON JESUS has been given to me! Grace that is greater than all my sin is applied to me and all my life. All my debts are cancelled and used for HIS GLORY! THE BLOOD OF JESUS washed away all my sins and made me new and is making me feel whole even though have been whole! The hope of HIS MERCY and the reality of HIS LOVE abound in me and to me. The gift of HIS PRESENCE and the outpouring of HIS SPIRIT and the talents HE has given are evidence of HIS FORGIVENESS. The intimacy of HIS WORDS and the SECRET WHISPERS of HIS TRUTHS are precious jewels He offers often and steadily. The JOY of HIS PRESENCE and the Rejoicing at HIS ETERNAL LIFE are ever present realities even in suffering. The encouragement of HIS WORD and the consistent personal teaching HE provides are bountiful and plentiful. He raised me up to be more than I can be and stoops down to feed me and lead me and holds me. He cleanses me and gives me songs in the night and hope and light in the darkness.
He heals my life and restores my soul. He is alive and active in me. Of all people, He loves me and reveals Himself to me. He knows me and my heart better than I know me and still He loves me. When my heart condemns me, He is greater than my heart and knows everything. He delights me with treasures and revelations. He gives me all good gifts and has no shadow of turning in Him. He trusts me even when I am not trusting of myself and where I have not been trustworthy. How can it be that HE DIED FOR ME! What a Good GOD He is!

WOW – What a testimony! So many portions of this resonates in me. I felt you and it touched my heart. I lift you up in abundant joy. May your joy be complete by the All-Mighty Power of His Holy Spirit.

Just stopped by to read more of these obits and read the entry of the gal who says she misses the posts and blogs of Amanda and seeing pix of Jackson and Annabeth! I miss them too it is so fun watching those kids grow up but I can understand the need sometiems to have some privacy too, and just thebig demands of being a young motherand a minister’s wife to boot. Please tell her we keep the entire family in our prayers often and wish them all the best in thier work for the Lord!
Love from Dakota Land!
Betty M

Tammy died in March of 1990 after graduating from college,becoming a newlywed and starting her dream of being a kindergarten teacher. Tammy had felt she was fine for years because she attended church, was a member of the choir , and affectionately known as Mary Poppins in high school. Tammy encountered an authentic Christian who was her paraprofessional at school. Tammy was watching a Billy Graham Crusade one night alone and called the number on the screen. Death occurred as she prayed and the Great Exchange took place. The old Tammy will not be missed.

The old is gone the new has come. Sandi was raised in newness of life when she fully trusted Christ as savior. l
Living he loved me, dying he saved me, buried he carried my sin far away,rising he justified freely forever awakening my heart, soul, mind to who He is and that I am his forever.Left behind is bitterness, lack of discipline, selfishness, the old way of thinking. I seek to love as Christ loved, seek to know him more, seek to be found his faithful follower. Gained: peace, love, joy, knowledge, strength, power, and self control.

Here lies Claudia Rheinfurth who died a glorious death at the early age of 16.

This young girl has died, but tragedy, sadness, and grief would not be the words used to describe her obituary. Here lies the girl who once worked so hard to make her life perfect and wore herself out trying. Her efforts were to no avail and led her straight to this grave. Her death relieved her of her anxiety to hide the truth about herself through lies; her death buried the insecurities about her worth as a person; her death buried the feelings of rejection and unacceptance by significant and insignificant people. She took to the grave her self-reliance/self trust that was always disappointing her; her death to these things brought great relief to her weary tormented mind that continuously deceived her grieving heart.This plunge of death which ultimately saved her from eternal damnation and destruction took place at the cross on Calvary. Because of her early death she is now experiencing inner tranquility and joy, and the abundant unfailing love of Jesus like never before. May she rest in heavenly peace.

Announcing the death of CAPPOG (Caring About Pleasing People Over God) died today. The sickness that lead to death has been years in the making as she began reading more and more of a very special book. She had read things like, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” This death has been a long time coming and it was time for her to depart. She leaves behind a daughter called JOY (Just Obeying You- God.) We look forward with excitement to see what unfolds in this new life.

So with the death of CAPPOG also comes the death of FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real) because they worked side-by-side and one couldn’t live without the other. FEAR has been a terrible accompaniment, and JOY has chosen not to make her a companion. JOY has instead chosen TRUST to accompany her as she travels on this journey. TRUST stands for “Truly Really Ur (You’re) Safe Today.” We look forward to seeing what this team of JOY and TRUST accomplish in their lifetime. They have chosen as a verse the same verse that was the undoing of their predecessors, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25 NIV) We believe this new duo of JOY and TRUST will live a life worth watching as they obey God and trust that he will keep them safe.

“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into out lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard – things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force out way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”

Peg was 33 years old and pregnant with her second child. Having been raised in a church going, religious home all of her life, and having the nickname of “Princess”, she was almost always perfect – at least she appeared that way to those around her. But, there was a deep, inner longing and aloneness that could not be satisfied by earthly means. Through Bible Study Fellowship, and its mentoring, she came to the truth of what the blood of Christ had done for her. She was free because of the blood of Jesus. In April of 1988, Peg received His sacrifice for her sins, realizing there was nothing she could do on her own behalf that could set her free. She is free indeed.

This to announce that Insecurity has passed away, and is replaced with love, joy, and a sound mind. Insecurity has worked very hard for many years and has been diligent to accomplish much in the areas of rejection, fear, worthlessnessness, despair, and defeat. Discouragement and depression became very effective in robbing the joy and peace that every child of God can have through Christ. Insecurity was totally confident that this was a permanent and life-long relationship! Childhood wounds and repeated experiences of rejection made it difficult for the heart to trust and Insecurity took full advantage of that to ingrain lies and deeply taint perspectives. Relationships have been affected and much grief and sorrow has resulted, which then made Insecurity’s hold and affect so much more sure. But. . . God is bigger and His Truth is stronger and Insecurity was cut to the quick and could no longer accomplish the mission that had been so effective. Freedom burst upon the scene and Light dispelled the darkness, Truth replaced the lies, and fear and despair were replaced with hope and joy, and Insecurity was dead!! There are times when Truth is tested, but as long as it is proclaimed, believed, and embraced, Insecurity cannot be revived!! Praise be to God!!!

Praying that one day I can write this glorious obit, that this “old self” would give up and die…
Insecurity, bitterness, lack of discipline, feeling entitled that I deserve more, etc. led me to a road of failure. Now I live in those guilt-ridden ashes that have branded my soul, scared that I won’t pass His next test.
Struggling to bury the past, to shut the door; yearning to become the godly woman, wife, and mother I can be proud of.
Fearful of the “King David” consequences, but thankful to know I have eternity with my King.

2013 Lonely Fearful Lady- San Diego
Lonely Fearful Lady was a quiet woman who sought to serve the people around her to glorify her God. She was a warrior for God and put up a good fight for a long time. Tragically the voice of defeat started attacking the core of her being while she was young. The curse of not good enough cut off the circulation of abundant relationships all the while the crippling effect of mistrust cursed her with blindness. Still as if this was not enough fear cut of her oxygen a little bit at a time until she could no longer fight.
The death of this Lonely Fearful Lady was not in vain. Because of her faith and willingness to trust God in her steps her father speaks out the truth of victory beyond the human’s limited understanding of what it means to conquer. The not good enough curse he breaks for those willing to receive the blessing of love and acceptance because all are designed in the image of Christ. The crippling blindness caused by mistrust he heals by the unfailing mercy and complete grace he provides. His perfect love proven to be everlasting and more than enough for all things provides the strength to release the grip of fear.
For we know that the death of Lonely Fearful Lady will not be mourned as loss but instead celebrated so that an opportunity for new life can be ignited to bring glory to the God who has victory! Please join us in this celebration.

Trisha died on December 18th, 1993 in a Pit with many of her friends. She was found with, Loneliness, Insecurity, Hurt, Despair, Victim ,Liar, Unlovable, and the twins Lost and Forgotten. She was pulled from the horrible pit, out of the miry clay and was set upon a rock. Trisha was wrapped in the arms of her Heavenly Father. Although she may visit the pit still at times she has the Promise of God to keep her from dwelling there for long. To God Be The Glory He can Save Anyone Anywhere!!!

In November 2000, our dear Christy, who was fearful of everything, ashamed of too many horrible things, unsure of herself, abandoned by some, and full of youthful arrogance, began her journey to leave this world. She spent the weekend at the Walk to Emmaus and met the One who would save her! She gave her heart to Him. And, He forgave her! Broken and forgiven, she then tried to maneuver through the newness of a life she never knew existed. The path led to a slow dying of pride and anger. A fight to the death over past hurts and past sins occurred with the enemy. The life she was meant to live would come into focus, and then would slip away. Guilt and shame would rear their ugly heads and her mind would be overtaken once again. Perfection and judgment were her medications of choice to try and cure her ills. But, the symptoms remained as she struggled to see past this world to the face of the One who loved her. She somehow had to convince herself that He loved her family more than she did. And then, the slow, painful and yet wonderful, journey began to clear her vision as she read His Words and sat still in His presence and sought His Spirit more and more. And, even though her healing is not complete, her dying to this world is almost certain. Christy longs to leave the earthly world – to no longer desire to please others, but to wholly please God! She can sometimes see the light at the end of the tunnel. Her body withers daily, but her Spirit fights on. Her heart grows weary, but the blessings of the lover of her soul keeps her refreshed. Alas, she cannot save herself, no matter how hard she tries. So, she has to give up daily….and the One who forgave her and loves her will heal her hurt heart, her prideful soul and her deceptive mind! Then, she will forever leave this world and her old self behind. A celebration of her life continues as she dies to self in order to live in Christ!

Isaiah 44:20 NIV – He feeds on ashes, a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”

We celebrate the JOY of the passing of dear Mrs. M.T. Nester, who could not celebrate in the truth that she was created to be more than just a mom. She was too filled with sadness to celebrate the uniqueness of who she was created to be in Christ Jesus. Her insecurity & self-pity were big fat liars telling her that she had nothing left to offer now that her kids had left home. She failed to see that new missions would be set before her, and that He had so much more still in store for her. Though her husband had to let her go, he welcomed his new wife, Mrs. Faith Inhim, who praised God for the promise of renewed strength and a determination to hold steadfast to the promises of her Creator. She, unlike her predecessor, walks in victory to this day, giving God all the glory.

Each fall (this year it’s November) we have a “retreat” experience for missionary women serving in the little country of Honduras (where I served as a missionary for almost the past 7 years). We have nearly 150 English speaking women now coming for a weekend to rest and renew and soak in the love of Jesus with their sisters. Hearing praise and worship in their own language and just getting to be with other people who “get it” has been such a beautiful thing.

May I please use your words here and this idea as an exercise for us to work through in our time together over the weekend.

It resonated with me deeply and I think it would be hugely impacting for all of us to think through. Just wanted your permission before I share it and sorta “make it my own.”

Thank you for continuing to encourage the body of Christ. May you be blessed as you are a blessing!

So NOT sad to announce the death of “little i am” at the merciful and just hands of I AM. Ms. l.i.a (little i am) as the deceased was unaffectionately known died a glorious, painful death at the tender age of 31. Ms. l.i.a. lived a life rampant with Mr. s.i.n. and they had many babies! These children included murder, idolatry, lust, covetousness, drunkeness, adultery, gossip, hate, slander and . . . (well, you get the evil, ugly baby picture). From a young age she thought she was betrothed to Mr. s.i.n. but found out that he was cheating on her and used her and never intended to produce the pleasure he promised. She was hurt and heartbroken because she chose him over everything else in her life that could have been good. She was a slave to him because he said he loved her! That was the biggest lie among many. The death of Ms. l.i.a. is much too graphic to describe but involved an invisible Spirit and a pink, faux snakeskin book named “Holy Bible”. Date of death is sometime in July 2008 at 5:30 a.m. by John chapter 20 where Christ on the Cross poured His blood on her thereby making her truly gorgeous and also inviting His true intended to partake of a beautiful exchange of certain death for True Life and Love. All attempts to contact Ms. l.i.a. have been unsuccessful because she is gone forever, obliterated in the blink of an eye. In her place the Lord reigns and is her Master. The physical body left behind by Ms. l.i.a. is currently in use and is in good working order ruled by the Spirit and kept by His power and has been appointed to preach Good News to all!

She was a good girl who made her mama proud and her aunt jealous. She knew how to avoid trouble and adapt to any situations. She was praised for her strength and determination, her discipline and hard work. You could depend on her to get the job done. She married Mr Law, a perfect and immortal fellow. Mr Law, though honest and wise, shamelessly exposed her hidden flaws. She grew weary of her own performance. Was there any way out? Only death could redeem this covenant. Daringly, she took the plunge. And in a dark and secret place, her heart cracked and broke open. And the death of good girl was a most beautiful thing that will be treasured forever.

Oldself Lacy has passed away after a once and for all battle with the Creator of the Universe – The Way, Truth, and Life. The defeat was irreversible and totally complete at Calvary on a cursed tree. Her children, slavery to sin and separation from true love also died with her – much to their mother’s dismay. She worked very hard to do things right according to her own eyes, thinking in pride, she was enough. Her toil was in vain. Each action she made was tainted and broken from sin. New life, hope, peace and abundant love now take her place because of Jesus.

Charlotte died in a web. It was a messy web of deceit that she herself had spun out of pride, fear, insecurity, disappointment, and shame. She died of cardiac arrest due to an enlarged heavy heart full of despair. They say her heart was so heavy, she fell right off that web and landed at the foot of the cross of her Savior. When Jesus touched her heart with His forgiveness and grace, that old sinful heart thumped its last beat and she was officially pronounced dead to the life of sin. But then something amazing, something supernatural happened to her heart. It was as though she received a miraculous transplant, because she had a new heart filled with love, joy, and a peace that passed understanding. Truth replaced the lies and fear and despair were replaced with hope. As she began a fresh start to her life hidden in Christ, she built a new web – an orb web – with the Gospel at the very center of her life. Today she is finding truths about discipleship in this process – that this Gospel centered life leads to loving God and loving others, and that abiding in Christ keeps the focus on intentional living by sharing truth and life in relationships with others. If her web starts to get messy again, Charlotte can be found heading right back to its center and standing on the promises of God. May she forever rest in His peace.

Nancy, Sanger TX
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.Therefore take up the full armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand firm.
Eph. 6, 12,13 (ESV)

Mary Elizabeth passed away not so suddenly years ago. After decades of living what many would see as a good life and see her as a really nice person, she knew it how hard it truly was being her. Oh the pressure she felt as having to carry everything on her shoulders, constantly achieve and take care of everyone. Sure, the success came, but the price was pretty high. Carrying that load on her shoulders was tough. Burnout eventually came and she was scared she couldn’t continue making it all happen.

She was right.

Her despair was so great, that God himself had to share a simple message with her that shook her – She Was Only Human. God is God. He moves mountains and has a plan for her and will keep her on solid ground – she can do nothing without Him.

After that night, she worked with God to transfer the control and responsibility to Him, allowed the Holy Spirit to guide her in EVERY part of her life (not just the ones, she had “allowed” Him to). It was scary then and still is now – but her and her family have been blessed beyond measure and pray every day to have the wisdom to Let God Be God.
And to follow Jesus to do His work and serve. Wherever and however that needs to be done.

Kathleen finally died on a Sunday sometime in early 2013. She became terminally ill in 1993. However, she didn’t realize that death was unavoidable until 1999 in which time the illness that saved her finally began to take effect. Ironically, the more knowledge she gained about her illness the more she began to draw closer to her eminent death. After a long struggle with vanity, pride, and anger, she was finally relieved from the insecurity and fearfulness that plagued her most of her life when she was laid to rest. Kathleen leaves behind a new life in Christ full of faith, boldness, and joy. Many around her are happy she is gone!

For we know that our old self was crucified with Christ so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with that we should no longer be slaves to sin (Romans 6:6)

Terri died one October day in 1982. That 9 year old child died and was buried. She walked in life for a while, but that she was abused and thrown away. As life went on, she forgot that she was dead. The new Terri would go and roll away that stone and cuddle and love on that old Terri. The Terri dragged the old one around and tried very hard to put on that old nature over and over again. Abuses and hurt came after that death and the new Terri turned away from freedom she could have had and she roamed around in that cemetery almost every day for 31 years.

New Terri loved God and she wanted freedom, but her old man kept being called out of the grave. She allowed herself to steal, to covet, to let her tongue run rampant, to engage in sexual sin and to lie about those things and so much more. She went to church, she listened to the word, but she still was drug into, jumped into, and fell into one pit right after the other.

But GOD finishes what he starts. He brings the truth with such grace and mercy that it is a wave that refreshes the soul. September 14, 2013, the new Terri threw the old Terri back into the grave and SEALED THAT TOMB! Praise God that grave is sealed. New Terri has chosen to be crucified with Christ today and each day and life comes through the precious blood of Jesus that will never lose its power!

Her new name is Terri Garnsey, overwhelmed by grace! The same power that raised Jesus from the grave is ALIVE in her! She is redeemed and forgiven and so thankful that God loves her and she is raised to walk in newness of life!

It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and casting down from bright blue skies while crisp air seemed to be delivering fall to the area. The beauty of the day also brought with it the beautiful death of a beloved woman who had long been suffering in her own skin. Ashley Noel died on September 14, 2013 from an overdose of self-reliance, self-destruction and bitterness. Ashley had recently been diagnosed with “My Own Worst Enemy Disease” and no cure has been discovered. She was raised by a wonderful loving mother who taught her to know and love God and in March of 1992, at the young age of 7, Ashley accepted Jesus Christ into her heart. Her downfall would be the addiction she had to independence, a characteristic that many admired but one that would take her from a place of peace through her young years and into high school to the dark unknowns of what sin had to offer from her graduation into her early adult life. Her continual battle with the Holy Spirit and the Sins of the World led to embarrassment, shame and self-destruction. On September 14, 2013, though the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day, Ashley found herself in the darkest of places continually battling the call of Jesus Christ. She was exhausted from running in the opposite direction. Her heart was growing empty. She was nearing total isolation. Family disappeared. Friends disappeared. Though she knew the real reason, Ashley continued to be in denial. It was that denial that led her to her death. It was better that she die this way because self-reliance, self-destruction and bitterness together planned a destruction in her life. All at once, she was overtaken by the three and closed her eyes and died to self but in dying to herself guilt, jealousy, spitefulness, self-reliance; self-destruction and bitterness were buried to never reappear again. Ashley leaves behind freedom in Jesus Christ with the gift of grace and joy to forever leave the old ways of the world buried because nothing better than Grace has ever happened in her life.

October 11, 2013-Unworthy breathed her last this morning while holding the Hand of her Savior. After years of struggle she finally gave in and gave up the ghost in exchange for the Holy Ghost. Despite being a “Christian”, from her teen years she was often plagued with feelings of doubt, unworthiness, insecurity and anxiety. Instead of seeking and believing Truth (Life) she accepted lies and distortions (death). After her parents’ divorce, fear took hold of her heart that she would always end up being not enough. She believed the lie that she would never be truly loved and she would ultimately be left for someone else. Unworthy slowly killed herself while believing that if the right man would just love her enough she would be made whole. All the while missing the Man who loves her enough to die for her Who was longing to make her whole. The deceptions, confusion and self attempts at wholeness and worth ultimately did her in. She wore herself out and drove herself to distraction trying to figure out things beyond her control. With the death of unworthy died willful disobedience, selfishness, pleasure seeking, manipulation, people pleasing, abuse of the One Who loves her perfectly, rejection, anxiety, fear, deception and insecurity. Unworthy will NOT be missed or mourned.

In the place of unworthy rises Ashleigh, Christian by the Grace of God. A woman who submits to her Lord and Savior and receives His abounding Love, Mercy and Grace. She is renewed in the spirit of her mind and follows His lead, freed forever from reasoning and figuring. In childlike faith she walks in the way He illuminates. If she missteps she simply holds out her arms to be lifted back to safety in His way. She is made whole in the Beloved and rests in the Everlasting Arms. She no longer looks to anyone for her worth but is complete in Christ. Her resurrected life produces the fruit of the Spirit and overflows onto all who meet her. The celebration of this abundant life will continue each day until her Beloved comes to take her Home with Him for eternity. Hallelujah!

Jill Marie Sayles was born June 15, 1977, and came into a new life of increasing freedom beginning in fall 2007. Although saved at a young age, her life remained stubbornly rooted in slavery to the enemy’s schemes. It was marked by anger, bitterness, resentment, jealousy, unbelief, insignificance, inferiority, self-hatred, hopelessness, negativity, depression and despair. Because the enemy came after her early and often with rejection, she listened to and believed the lies he spoke into her mind and received what others said to her through a lens of rejection. In winter 2008, Jill asked the Lord to prove to her he was “The God who sees me.” When he proved himself miraculously true to his name, she vowed she would never again doubt his love for her personally. She had only heard about him before but now she has seen him with her own eyes. She then increasingly fell in love with “The Word became flesh” and with the written Word. She walked a lonely path of obedience to “work out her salvation with fear and trembling” because she called Him worthy of the cost. He uprooted strongholds and taught her to have victory over tormenting thoughts during “a time to tear” and then healed her wounds during “a time to mend.” He reached down from heaven and rescued her from deep waters. He lifted her out of a pit and set her feet upon a Rock. He brought her out into a spacious place because He delighted in her. He broke the yoke of her slavery and lifted the heavy burden from her shoulders. He gave her a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. She made the Lord her hope and confidence. He gave her life through His Word. He took away her clothes of mourning and clothed her with joy that she might sing praises to Him and not be silent! So shed no tears that Jill’s old life is gone but rejoice with her that a new life has begun!

June of 2012 marked the end of Old Jenny’s life. Old Jenny is remembered as angry, selfish, full of pride, with an ego that overtook any room she entered. She was self-loathing, sexually promiscuous, having zero respect for herself or anyone else on earth. She abused drugs and allowed others to abuse her, thinking that was what she deserved. She lied, cheated, and stole to get by. She didn’t care for anyone in the world except for herself. She was out to kill. She destroyed herself and everyone in her path, including her innocent son, who coincidentally died the following year. Old Jenny thought she was a survivor and she thought she’d outlive everyone around her. Her pride is what ultimately led to her fall. She thought she had all of her addictions and insanity well hidden, each in its secret compartment, never to be found. Old Jenny finally breathed her last breath in her car in the parking lot of her workplace. It was a job she lied and cheated to get – a job she hated. Her death baffled many of her so-called friends. Her real friends celebrated the day God pulled her out of her mess and place her on the mountaintop – on the feet of a deer she now stands, steady on any terrain. She stands up there ready and willing to live out her purpose – the very purpose she was reading about when she died.

Crystal Carlson died on August 27, 2014. Crystal was a liar, beggar, thief, adultery, drug user and lacked forgiveness of others. Crystal searched her whole life to fill the void in her heart; she turned to false love, drugs, alcohol and idolatry to fill the need that God could only fill. She was quick to blame her life circumstances on the bad choices she made over and over again. Her whole life she made bad choices, and found that some of the consequences were hard lessons to learn from. She made choices that hurt her that no one knew about and she thought she got away with things. The lifelong lies that she had to learn from over and over again. She let the lies that sexual abuse can destroy her. She let Satan convince her that she deserved those horrible moments in her life, she wasn’t good enough, and she put herself in bad situations again. It was her fault. She suffered from the extreme sin of killing her own child, and didn’t even think to seek Gods will before doing it. She lived in sin with multiple men in her life and exposed her children to seek what they want in life and not Gods will instead. She destroyed her daughter from the beginning with exposing her to a multitude of sins. Now her daughter will have to live her life with the past scarred life of her horrible sin filled mothers choices. Crystal failed at seeking to save her lost family members. She has ignored and not cared who was following Jesus. Crystal wasted years that she should have been seeking the lost in the world. She was given a heart for people and she ignored Gods purpose for her life. Laziness was too easy. Insecurities kept Crystal from standing up for what she believes in and what is right. Insecurity has worked very hard for many years and has been diligent to accomplish much in the areas of rejection, fear, worthlessnessness, despair, and defeat. She failed at standing up for herself and allowing people to disrespect her ,her whole life. She should have showed them she was strong and wouldn’t be the weak one. Insecurity became a crutch to keep her away from the accomplishments God had planned for her life. Fear gripped hold of her insecurities and played them against her, Fear knew when to sneak in and take away her comfort over and over again. The fear and anxiety so great her chest hurt in a physical sense. She failed to take the peace God promised her. She didn’t give it all to God. She was given a gift from God in the form of a husband and she killed him too. She introduced him to alcohol and let him know that she wouldn’t stop him from harming himself by walking away from God. She left him for another man thinking he would fill the void that should have been full with God’s love, her Jesus shaped hole in her heart. By the time she realized she had been blinded by Satan and the drugs and hurt of the abuse from her husband it was too late to save that marriage. She is preceded in death by her husband and her marriage who died May 1, 2014.

Tragedy, sadness and grief would not be words to describe this death, this death is glorious. Crystal’s sins were crucified with Christ. She is no longer a slave to sin. God has given her a new life, a new husband, a new marriage and new chance to live following the narrow path planned for her life. The only way she can do this is to see the path through prayer. She is holding Jesus’s hand and he will guide her from here on. Amen

What’s a Siesta?

Isn't "siesta" the Spanish word for nap? Yes! Then why are our LPM blog readers called siestas? One time Beth typed out the word "sistas," referring to our blog readers, and her spell checker wanted her to change it to "siestas." The name stuck! You can read about it here. If you read this blog, consider yourself a siesta! It's just another word for sister.